A collection of nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1980s that still linger in our ears
Speaking of the 1980s, it was a time when countless timeless hits emerged that remain popular even today!
It was also an era filled with artists who influenced many of today’s musicians, and in many ways can be seen as the dawn of J-POP leading up to the explosive million-selling boom of the 1990s.
In this article, we’ll introduce a generous selection of especially recommended songs from the hit-packed 80s.
Please enjoy these nostalgic chart-toppers that are sure to bring back memories of the time.
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
- Masterpieces and hit songs of 80s Japanese pop (kayōkyoku)
- [Nostalgic Classics] Hit Japanese Love Songs from the 1980s
- A special feature on classic and hit songs by bands that were active in the 1980s
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- 80s commercial songs. A roundup of Japanese songs from the 80s that have been used in commercials.
- Classic and hit J-pop songs from the nostalgic ’90s
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese pop idols of the 80s
- Popular Nostalgic Hits and Classics Ranking [1980s Japanese Music Ranking]
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- A heartbreak song that was a hit in the 1980s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.
- So nostalgic it feels new? Showa retro classics that colored Japan’s period of rapid economic growth
Japanese hit songs of the 1980s: a nostalgic collection of memorable classics (111–120)
B BLUEBOØWY
This is the lead single from the fifth album, BEAT EMOTION, released in September 1986.
It was originally titled TRUE BLUE, but because another song called “True Blue” was released, the title was hastily changed to B・BLUE.
JUST ONE MORE KISSBUCK-TICK
This “JUST ONE MORE KISS” is BUCK-TICK’s debut single, released in 1988.
Despite their flashy looks with spiked hair and blond dye, they were a cool and stylish band.
They were pioneers of the visual kei movement.
Be kind to othersTHE BLUE HEARTS
In February 1987, they released ‘Be Kind to People/Hammer’ as an independently produced single.
In 2002, it was chosen as the theme song and an insert song for the Fuji TV drama ‘Be Kind to People’ starring Shingo Katori, leading to the CD being reissued.
I believe this gave many people who hadn’t listened to The Blue Hearts in real time a chance to discover their music.
Buy me the video.kasutera
Kasutera is a rock band that debuted in 1989.
“Buy Me a Video” is their debut single.
The song is about a broken romance, but thanks to its punk melody and lyrics, it doesn’t feel lonely at all.
When you first hear it, you’ll probably wonder, “Why buy a video when you’re breaking up?” The girlfriend is a salaried worker and seems to be better off than her boyfriend.
Given his single-minded plea for her to buy him a video, you might even think it’s understandable that she’s the one who brings up the breakup.
Don’t take off my sailor uniformKunikyo Sayuri
The debut song of the pioneering large-scale female idol group, Onyanko Club.
Even the bold lyrics start to feel wholesome when sung so brightly by such a big group.
Unfortunately, the show ‘Yūyake Nyan Nyan’ wasn’t broadcast on regional stations.
To each their own.Ōe Senri
Released in 1984, it’s a pop song that hasn’t faded even after more than 30 years.
It was used in a commercial for UHA Mikakuto’s candy “DATE KISS,” and the commercial version’s arrangement was handled by Tetsuya Komuro, who had just debuted with TM NETWORK at the time.
KISS IN THE MOONLIGHTUP-BEAT
Here is the fourth single by UP-BEAT, which served as the theme song for the drama “My Classmate Is 13,” starring Kumiko Goto.
It was released in 1987.
UP-BEAT, formed in 1981 in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, saw two members leave in 1990 due to musical differences and disbanded in 1995, but vocalist Takehiko Hiroishi has continued his career.
He has a captivating voice.
